Rejects Fair

Who doesn't love pop concerts? That's what I want to know. I mean, screaming teens, overpriced souvenirs and ridiculously loud music...what's not to love?!
Angel and I went to the All-American Rejects concert last week and, believe you me, it was more fun than a weekend with Batman. Good times all around. The best part was that the Pacific Amphitheater is connected to the Orange County Fairgrounds so we got all hopped up on fair food before we experience the joys of Tyson Ritter. Corn on the Cob, Brisket Sandwiches, Funnel Cakes...you name it, the OC Fair's got it! Okay, okay, back to AAR - they were fantastic. On the 10 scale, I was probably at a 4 before the show started. And they were only that high because I thought the lead singer was smokin' hot. By the end of the show, they were up (WAY up) to 8 or 9 status. They put on a great show. The lead singer, Tyson Ritter, had a great sense of humor and was really good about playin' to the crowd. And the best part was that their set wasn't too long. They played really well for an hour and then left you wanting more but still satisfied. Makes perfect sense, right? Okay, bottom line - The All American Rejects are far from being rejects. In fact, if Tyson wants to knock on my door, he can be confident that he'll be received with open arms.
Cheers.

Getty Goddesses

A Passion For the Arts

You know what I love the most about living in Southern California? There is always SOME great experience just waiting around the corner. I mean, not to rub it in or anything but life is so great!
Angel and I went to Pageant of the Masters this weekend. It's kind of hard to explain but I'll do my best. Okay, here goes. Basically, it's a HUGE undertaking but the artists take real people and paint them to look like 2-dimensional paintings or sculptures (obviously 3-D). It's really amazing. For example, they recreated the Trevi Fountain this year. It was incredible! They also did a few John Singer Sargent paintings. Oh, and the tradition is to do DaVinci's "The Last Supper" as the finale. It's truly amazing. I know I'm totally NOT doing it justice so go to their website - www.foapom.com. Even the website can't really do it justice but it's the best that can be done short of experiencing it yourself. So, if you're ever in Laguna Beach while Pageant of the Masters is going on, you need to make sure and get to the show.

Summer Lovin'

Davis Family Cabin

This is my grandparent's cabin we stayed at while we were in Alabama. This one picture doesn't do it justice but it is absolutely gorgeous! I can't wait to get back there!

Whirlwind Adventure

I've been out of commission the past week or so courtesy of the backwoods of Alabama. And when I say backwoods, I mean WAY back. Anyway, Happy 4th of July to all - a little late. Here's a recap of the past few days (I'll attach pics later).

Friday, June 30
I just spent half the day jet settin' across the country - New Orleans by way of Dallas. We surprised my grandparents at the Imperial Palace seafood buffet in Biloxi, MS - it was good times. All my dad and his siblings were together for the first time in 12 years. There were tears in the eyes of my grandaddy - not a common occurance. Did I mention it was a seafood buffet?! When the Davis' roll into town, they run those places into the ground. They stop bringin' out the food just to get us to leave - we're talkin' about plates and plates piled high with crablegs, shrimp, prime rib and whatever else we can fit on there. And there are often 3rd, 4th or 5th trips back to the buffet.

Saturday, July 1
I love southern folk - that's simply all there is to it. The whole reason for this trip was to celebrate my grandparent's 50th wedding anniversary. After a night of family stories and rollicking laughter, we were up bright and early to decorate the hall for the anniversary party. We must've spent 2 hours ironing chair covers - no kiddin'! It was pretty amazing to see everyone come together to get the work done. It's the Davis way but it never ceases to amaze me.
The party went off without a hitch. Well, there was a re-hitching since my grandparents renewed their vows. It was beautiful. Of course, there was dancing. Boy, was there dancing! In fact, watching the dancing reminded me of why I love Davis family gatherings so much - everyone is so uninhibited! They talk, hug, laugh, kiss and dance like they don't have a care in the world and they've known you their whole life. It's a beautiful thing. There's a whole lot of comfort in knowing that you'll always be welcomed with hugs and kisses. It's good to be with family.

Sunday, July 2
We finally got everyone packed up and headed up to my grandparent's cabin in Gosport, AL. My grandparents built a beautiful log home a few years ago and that's where we congregated. It's absoultely gorgeous. And it's deep in the backwoods of Alabama - dirt roads, cotton fields and country folk. What's more could a girl ask for?!

Monday, July 3
Today brought with it visions of Southern belles sittin' out on the porch with their straw hats and glasses of lemonade. Life moves real slow in Gosport. Real slow. We spent most of the day sittin' around - tellin' stories and laughin' our heads off. My uncle Guy is an avid golfer and he taught me to swing a club. I'm no Tiger Woods but I got a few good hits in.
I also met some cousins that live on Davis land. Actually, Grandaddy is their great uncle so I'm not exactly sure what the relation is - we'll just say cousins and call it a day. They were very sweet and once I coaxed them out of their shyness we had a grand time! They taught me how to play some really fun card games along with the Davis favorite - Dominoes.

Tuesday, July 4
Happy Birthday, America!
Today, my uncle Guy set up a driving range behind the cabin. All the cousins were out there honing their skills as golf extroadinaires. It was a sight to behold. My uncle guy was sweatin' bullets because some of the cousins didn't realize that it's not exactly safe to be drivin' into the field when other people are shaggin' balls! All the kids had such a great time. It was good to see smiles on their faces and their excitement over something new.
After dark, I went over to my cousin Bookie's trailer with Brittany (another cousin) and all the other cousins to shoot off bottle rockets and various other fireworks. It was like going back 15 years. It reminded me that it really is about the little things in life that bring the most happiness. After my initial fear of holding a bottle rocket in my hand (a warranted fear, by the way), I had a great time! By the end of the night, I was shootin' 'em off like a pro!
After all the excitement, I said my goodbyes to my little cousins. I wish that I could stay with them longer. They're such good kids and I just loved spending time with them. Oh well, I'll just have to make another trip.

Wednesday, July 5
We left the cabin this morning and drove into New Orleans to catch our flights home. On the way, we saw a tornado! It was the weirdest thing. One minute my dad was pointing out a funnel cloud and the next minute it was sucking up water out of the bay. Too weird. It was close, too! Freaky!
It was sad to say goodbye to my parents but I'll see them soon enough, I'm sure. Being with my family all week just reminded me how great it is to be around people that always love me unconditionally. Granted, I have people like that in my life that aren't necessarily "family" but it's just different when there's blood. Know what I mean? Anyway, back to California and the "real" world.

Thursday, July 6
I'm never flying again. And I hate American Airlines.
So, my flight yesterday was from New Orleans to Orange County with a connection in Dallas. Well, there was a bad storm in Dallas when my flight was trying to come in so we spent an hour circling above DFW. They closed DFW and our plane was running out of gas so we had to reroute to Oklahoma City to refuel. By the time we refueled and got back to Dallas, they had reopened the airport. That was the good news. The bad news was that everyone missed they're connecting flights and they had cancelled all other flights into Orange County. My cell phone battery was dead so I couldn't call anyone to let them know what was going on. I ended up staying the night in a hotel with a woman I met on the plane, which wasn't bad because she was very sweet and I really enjoyed her company. So, I shuttled home from the airport, jumped in the shower and hightailed it to work. All in all, quite an adventure!

And now I'm back in the OC, baby, and lovin' life! Good times, good times.

Lillian Hope Davis

Cold Burgers. Warm Hearts.

So, I'm 25 now. The transition was relatively painless. Except for the part when we froze our katookuses off under the gazebo. And the part where we couldn't light the candles on my cake 'cause it was WAY too windy. Oh, and the part where the hamburgers were stone cold by the time we transferred them from the grill to the picnic table 6 feet away. But we huddled together for warmth and managed to stick it out until the sun went down. It was good times. Yep, it sure was.
So, here's to another year of life. I don't know how it could POSSIBLY be better than 24 but one could only hope. Blah, blah, blah - life is good. Yes, it is.

White Pants

So, I've got this thing about birthdays. I think that when it's your birthday, you can wear whatever the heck you want. I mean it - ANYTHING! Stripes with plaids, polka dots and...well, what doesn't go with polka dots?! Anyway, you get the picture. For example, last year, at my birthday party, I wore a black and silver feather boa and a red John Mayer trucker hat. Now THAT was a great outfit. Today, I'm wearing white linen pants. Forget that it's completely unrealistic to expect me to stay clean on any given day at the office but that goes double when I'm wearing white. And white pants? Oh, boy. Bring on the stains. And let's not forget that it's not even officially summer yet (I think the first day of summer is tomorrow) and isnt' there some sort of rule about that? Or is it for shoes? Either way, I'm wearin' white pants today and I'm lovin' every minute of it! Wanna know why? 'Cause it's my birthday and I can do what I want, dang it!
Cheers, mates. Thanks for all the cards and well-wishing. My peeps rock. That's all there is to it.
P.S. My best present so far came from my sister-in-law at 12:33am ET. A baby girl! Yep, that's right. Lillian Hope Davis was born on MY birthday! It's pretty much the best present ever! Yay for babies!

California DL

It's official, I'm well on my way to putting down roots in the Sunshine State. Well, I'll keep out of jail at least! I got my driver's license today. And not a moment too soon! My Washington license expires tomorrow so it was imperitive that I pass the test. Minus 3, baby! I think that's the equivalent of a perfect score on the Mensa test, isn't it?!

Greetings From The Beach!

Les Miserables

'Nuff said, right? I think so.
Okay, okay, I'll tell you all about it. But, just so you know, my purposes are completely selfish - I just want someone to gush to! And you, dear reader, are the lucky winner!
That said, my whole life, people have told me how phenomenal Les Miserables is on stage. Honestly, I don't think I've ever heard a bad thing about it. Everyone loves it. As a matter of fact, a guy I know that doesn't like anything said that he liked Les Mis. Crazy, know. Anyway, so blah-blah-blah, people think it's great. But you know how someone talks up a movie too much and then you go in half-expecting to be completely disappointed? Well, that's sort of how I was feeling. Angel and I were late (common occurance) and we missed the first act so I was kind of thrown right into the middle of it. Which, really, wasn't that big of a deal because I was familiar with the story. ANYWAY (this story is getting WAY too long), the first bit was good but I wasn't really moved, per se. All that changed in the second act. Let it suffice to say that I was bawling like a single woman watching Sleepless in Seattle. Yep, it's true. I was trying to hide it from Angel but the tears were comin' all the same. I couldn't talk for about 30 minutes after the show 'cause I'd get all choked up when I tried to talk about it. Bottom line, I saw Les Mis and now I'm a believer. It's beautiful. I just love that it's about love and forgiveness and mercy and relationships. It's just sweet and beautiful. Oh, it's beautiful. I'm seriously gettin' teary just bloggin' about it. It's nice to experience something that moves you so deeply every once in awhile. Things like that don't come along very often these days.
I think the show is going to stop touring after this year (LA is one of the last stops) but if you've never seen it then make sure you fit it somewhere into your life plan. As one who was unenlighted to the power and beauty of Les Miserables, trust me, you won't regret it.

Getty Up and Go

Okay, for the peeps who are prone to bouts of jealousy due to my awesome adventures, I give you - The Getty Villa. We're headin' up to Malibu on July 22nd for a day of strolling among Greek, Roman and Etruscan masterpieces. Everyone is welcome but you have to lemme know if you're comin' so I can get you tickets.
For the Utah peeps bound for Mexico in November, this might be a fun side trip. I don't know if we'll have TONS of time but we could probably take a gander up the PCH. Somethin' to consider.
Ciao, babes.

The Getty

On Friday, Angel and I went to The J. Paul Getty Museum in LA. It was AWESOME! It was really great to be back in a museum around so many beautiful works of art. The Getty has quite a broad collection. Seriously, they've got something for everyone - Rodin, Monet, Van Gogh, Renoir - gang's all there. In fact, we caught the tail end of one of the tours and we happened upon Van Gogh's "Irises" and overheard the tourguide telling the people that The Getty Institute acquired the piece in 1989 for the bargain price of 50 million dollars. That's right, 50 MILLION DOLLARS! All I have to say is, I'd like the kind of financial backing The Getty is getting. I can't even imagine having that kind of money to burn. All in the name of the arts, I guess.
The Getty has gardens, too. They're awesome. There's a really neat abstract cluster of bushes in the middle of a pond - it's pretty cool. It's like a jetty at the Getty!
The weather was so beautiful so The Getty was at it's best! It's really open and airy so good weather days make it unbelievably enjoyable. There were clear skies out across Los Angeles, too. Amazing. All in all, a perfect day.
Bottom line, if you haven't been to The Getty, you'd better getty there!

RICHARD!

So, my old pal Richard showed up on my doorstep last night for a visit! Oh, boy! It was a total surprise! It was so good to see him and hug him and walk on the beach with him and laugh my head off with him. Sometimes I forget how great it is to have friends pop in and out every once in while. Things got off to a rocky start (see story below) but we ended up havin' a great time. We went to Laguna Beach and watched the surfers. We even saw dolphins! Richard was so cute - he loved the beach. Then we all went home and nestled in our beds for a long winter's nap. Okay, it was a short summer nap but you get the point. All in all, a great time!

After work yesterday, I had the worst headache. So, when Richard came I was taking a nap. I heard Angel answer the door but I just rolled over and went back to sleep. The next thing I knew, she was like, "Paula! Paula! I need you to come help me with something in the living room!" And I was like, "Huh?!" So then she said, "You have a visitor! Get up!" So I rolled out of bed in a haze and stumbled to the living room. So, I'm standing in the hallway looking at Richard on the couch and then I look back at Angel. Then back at Richard. Then back at Angel. Back to Richard, again. And for some reason (probably due to sleepy haze), it just wasn't processing. I didn't recognize Richard and I was thinkin' Angel needed help with something but I couldn't figure out what she needed help with. I just didn't know what was going on. Then, all of the sudden the haze cleared and I yelled, "RICHARD!" And then it was all good. It was really funny, though. Maybe you just had to be there. The end.

Isn't it funny how little things spark these deep moments of introspection? Angel and I discovered a really great new singer - Tyrone Wells. During one of his live shows, Tyrone talks about getting past the glitz and glamour of life to realize that what matters most are the relationships you have with people - relationships with family, friends and God. I was listening to a live recording of one of his shows and I was reminded about what he said. It's amazing to me that, when all is said and done, it really is the relationships that bring the spark to life and make it all worthwhile. It really is what matters most.

Can I Get An AMEN?!

Why is Memorial Day Weekend so dang awesome?! 'Cause it just is - that's why! My li'l sis and Rashawnduh came to visit this weekend and it was a B-L-A-S-T! Yep, it certainly was. We hit DL, the beach (in multiple locales) and some ridiculously delicious Ruby's! Yep, it was good times - too bad you missed it. Maybe next year, maybe next year. Anyhoo, thanks to all who made the weekend what it was. Nothin' like shakin' the funk off with a rockin' weekend!
Speaking of funk, I've decided to continue with the "chill-out, dude" mentality. So far, so good. I'll get back to you on how long it actually lasts. I've just realized that even though I'd like to be a gamillionaire and without a care in the world, it's important that I recognize all that I do have. I'm a pretty lucky girl. Yep, it's true.
Can I get an amen?

chillin' like a villan

you know, i've really been stressin' the past couple days. i just wanna know what it's all about. and, thanks, but it's not the hokey pokey. i'm goin' through the "displacement phase" or whatever. i don't even know what to call it. bottom line, i'm takin' some advice for one of my newest favorite peeps, t-pizzy, and i'm just gonna let myself be. i'm gonna go with the flow, do what i wanna do, blog in lower case and go to the beach. yep, it's the cure for the common funk, baby. believe that. life is good. i should be happy as a clam. i guess i'm just gettin' a chance to step back, take a look, make a change or two and continue on the course. i'll let you know how it goes. i'll be fine tomorrow. just you wait and see.

love, peace and chicken grease,

paula

quarter-life crisis? maybe a little one.

i don't know why but i have been so worked up about the big 2-5 lately. i'm feelin' like it's time to buckle down and do what i gotta do. know what i'm sayin'? i've been super busy lately - tap, guitar, tennis - but i can't help but think that i'm not taking care of the things that really need my attention - exercising, getting out of debt, being where i need to be spiritually - and i'm thinkin' i want to focus on that for the next year. this is so bad, but i feel like i should "live it up" now while i'm young because i'm not gonna have a chance to when i'm older. i just don't want to "put my life on hold" for a year. then again, it's not really putting anything on hold if i'm takin' care of business, right? hum. i guess it would be beneficial to "put my life on hold" now and take care of these things then to keep ignoring it and look back 5 years later and wonder about the time i wasted. i don't know why these little things are such a struggle for me. i mean, i guess they're not really little things, per se. they're just things that most people don't really struggle with. or don't want to admit they struggle with! there's the secret right there. i reckon 25 is a good age to get naked with yourself emotionally, spiritually, financially and every other way that matters. i'll think on that and let you know. on the brighter side, i can feel myself coming closer to the conclusion. i've got a month or so to figure it out so i'm hoping that i'll know what's up by june 20th. we shall see.

More Than Words

I'm pretty good at reading people. That said, I really hate being left to wonder what people are really thinking. As a matter of fact, it makes me crazy. I just wish that people would say what they really think and be done with it. Don't you? Let's just get it all out there so everyone knows where they really stand - the real place, not the one that I think you think I think you think I stand on. Clear as mud? I thought so. Granted, I am a bit of a diva. In fact, I'll be the first to admit it. But, the reality is, you'll always know where you stand with me 'cause I'll tell you. Is it too much to except everyone else in the world to do the same?! I don't think so.

Chalk Fest

I wanna be a chalk artist. And a hula dancer. Is that really too much to ask?
I went to the Chalk Walk in Mission Viejo this weekend and saw some pretty awesome talent. It was amazing. I put my name into a raffle for art lessons. I've decided that after I master tap, piano, tennis and guitar, I'll hit up the art circuit. Might as well, right? I've got a million other things going on right now. Why not add one more?!
Oh, and I've decided to take hula lessons, too. Okay, I haven't really decided, per se, but it's definitely on the list. Angel and I drove up to LA for the Aloha Expo on Saturday. It was fun. So many Polynesians, so little time. Whatever that means. I've always been so facinated with the Polynesian culture. I want my wedding reception to be a full on luau. Dare me? I'll do it. You know I would. Anyway, Kari has a friend that dances in a halau near Garden Grove - she's adorable! We chatted a bit about hula and now I just can't get it out of my head. Oh, buh! Anyhoo, like I said, I need to focus. I've already got a bit on my plate. I need to work on those before I take on anything else. Right-o, Cap'n.

Inspired.

I'm inspired. By people. By lessons. By scriptures. By my Divine potential. By the power of faith and the Spirit. By the humility of my peers. By the love of my Bishop. I'm inspired. I'm inspired to work harder, be better, read more, pray longer, reach higher, lift my brother or sister, love more freely and be who I need to be.
I'm inspired. By writers. Singers. Seamstresses. Actors. Actresses. Bloggers. Mothers. Fathers. Painters. Dancers. Poets. Anyone who creates.
I'm inspired. I'm inspired to be more diligent, , more professional, less of a liability, more respectable, more of an asset, more reliable, less flippant.
Mostly, I'm inspired by love. Cheezy, I know. True, nonetheless.

IMAX

Pretty much, IMAX makes everything better. Everyone has been saying that Poseidon was super lame, unrealistic, etcetera ad nauseum. Anyway, we went to see it in Irvine at the IMAX and it was pretty awesome. I mean, I will admit that it was a little overdone and tidge unrealistic but, let's be honest, who really goes to those movies looking for moments of deep introspection? Anyway, if you wanna see Poseidon, or even if you don't, go to the IMAX. It's worth the extra $3. Oh, and take some dramamine before you go.

Sew Beautiful

I've never really been much of a domesticate (is that a word?) but all that is a-changin'. My darling little angel, Angel, has a beautimus Singer sewing machine and I have been makin' that baby sing of late. The sewing bug has bitten and I am a woman on a mission. So far, I've made a beach bag and a dress. I'm gettin' ready to go out on a limb 'cause there is a style of dress that I want to make but can't find a pattern for so I'm gonna try to get one of my Fashion Design friends to help me create it from scratch. A little too ambitious? Maybe. Tons of fun? You betcha. I'll keep you posted.

Livin' The Dream

This morning, as I was driving to work, I was reflecting on the past year of my life and came to the conclusion that this has been one of the best years of my life. I've made some big changes, had some great opportunities, a few heartbreaks and lots of great experiences. I'm pretty much livin' the dream, baby! Seriously, though, life is good. I mean, there are a few things I would change but I have faith that they'll come with time so I'm not too worried about 'em.
Speakin' of great experiences, we went up to LA to see STOMP at the Pantages Theater on Friday. Needless to say, it was amazing! There really aren't words to describe how incredible it is. Bottom line, go see it. You won't regret it! The rhythms these people pull out of seemingly ordinary objects is astounding. It's all I could do to sit there with my mouth hanging open in amazement. I can only hope that someday I'll be a super star like the people from STOMP. Someday. Until then, I'll just keep livin' the dream.

Miss Sydney

Miss Bristow was doubled,
it's hard to believe.
But she did see Mr. Vaughnie
and didn't want to leave.
But leave him she must,
there's Prophet Five to now bust.
She'll team up with Sark
who thinks Sydney's Anna being Sydney,
Oh, what a lark!
What happens next?
We'll have to wait and see,
too find out who finally kills
Mr. Sark and all the SDs.

Mad Hot Ballroom

So, I'm gettin' ready for bed and the Biore Clear Pore Strip says I have to let it sit on my nose for 10-15 minutes while it hardens like paper mache and rips the dirt out of my clogged pores. TMI, I know. Sorry. Anyhoo, I figured I'd make good use of the 10-15 minute tidbit and tell you about the awesome experience I had at the Hilton Los Angeles tonight. Here goes. Mary, my co-worker, has been taking ballroom lessons for sometime now and invited me to attend a Pro/Am Ballroom Competition that is running Thursday through Sunday of this week. I absolutely accepted and tonight was the night. Oh. My. Goodness. Are you kidding me? A live ballroom dancing competition is without a doubt one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. I don't even have the word to tell you how awestruck I was the entire time. But let me try to find the words to tell you about one of the highlights of the evening. Now, to start, I was a little disappointed that I was only going to be able to go Thursday night because they were doing the Quickstep (one of my favorite ballroom dances categorized as American Smooth in the ballroom world) another night. Nevertheless, I agreed to make the sacrifice and take the available ticket for Thursday night. Let it suffice to say that it was pretty much the best thing that could've ever happened! I got to see the Junior Ballroom Competition! In ballroom terms, I got to see the little 12 and under-year-olds shake their groove thangs on the dance floor. And shake them they did! I've got videos (taken covertly with my trusty digital camera) for anyone that wants to see it - lemme know and I'll email it to you. Seriously, these kids were amazing. One couple (both 11 years old) competed against the teenagers and BEAT them. The way they moved on the dance floor absolutely defies description. I managed to catch up with the father of the girl champ while she and her partner were posing for pictures with all of their 80 gamillion trophies. The conversation went a little something like this:

Me: Hi! They did great tonight, eh?
Father (in thick Eastern European accent): Yes. (nodding and
smiling vigorously)
Me: Are they brother and sister?
Father: No. Not brothers. (More nodding and smiling)
Me: Oh! Just friends? Partners?
Father: Yes! Partners, partners! (Continued nodding and smiling)
M: How old are they?
F: They have 11 years of age each.
M: Eleven! Wow! They are very good. How long have they been dancing?
F (still smiling and nodding): They have been dancing since 2 and
half years.
M: Oh? For two and a half years?
F (shaking head in negatory fashion and extending hand palm down
close to floor) No. Since they had two and half year. For 9 year they
dance.
M: What?! They've been dancing for nine years?!
F (smiling and nodding again): Yes, yes. For 9 year.
M: How long have they been dancing together?
F: This partner, six months. That partner (pointing to an boy
standing nearby) her partner before boy. (He then goes on to
gesture wildly in an attempt to communicate what I think is
something about the boy partner growing too much and making it
impossible for the boy and girl to partner anymore. Meanwhile, I
smile and nod.)
M: Where are you from?
F: I from Armenia. Boy from Ukraine. Girl from Armenia.
M: Oh, Armenia? I thought maybe she was Persian.
F (smiling and nodding): Yes, Armenia.
M (smiling in general direction of posing children): Okay, well, good
luck with everything. Congratulations!
F: (Smiles and nods)

Now, I don't share this to mock or joke about the broken English of this dear man but simply to highlight the fact that these people come from all over the world to get their kids into good ballroom programs. I mean, these kids are supporting their families on what they're pullin' in from these competitions. It simply astounds me. Most parents can't even get their kid to tie their shoes or clean their rooms - how the heck can they teach them to swivel their hips or the difference between the rhumba and the samba (I can barely explain the difference). It's all very amazing and very foreign to me. Craziness.
In closing, I will say this about ballroom. It's pretty much my sport. I mean, c'mon, anything with a plethora of sequins and tons of makeup is just right up my alley. Bring on the over the top outfits and hairstyles that defy the laws of physics. I'm eatin' it up.
With love for 11-year-old ballroom dancers who kick teenagers butts! Best of luck to 'em.

My Life's Calling

As of last night, my calling in life is to be a cake decorator. My co-worker, Erica, had a birthday and so we made her a cake. She's all about world travel so we made her a cake of the Earth with tons of country flags all over it. It turned out really cute and she loved it! It was one of those projects where you take a step back and think, "Man, I am so AWESOME!" Yeah, you know the feeling. Kind of like the time I took my gi-mondo scarf off at the orphanage in Mexico and used it to jumprope with the kids. That's how you know your scarf is too long - when you can use it to jumprope with orphans.
Back to the life calling as a cake decorator. The feeling has passed since I started this blog. Such fickleness! It was fun while it lasted but I think I'll just embrace my life as a Project Coordinator and all around great gal.

Creative Wanna-B

Yep. I am a creative wanna-b. It's true. I'm trying to learn the guitar and make some good music but it's not going so well. I take a tap class every week and while I do love it - I'm not so skilled at it. I was on the verge of taking a painting class but I decided to hold off and give myself some time to breathe. I start tennis lessons next month (don't ask, I have no idea what possessed me to sign up for tennis lessons). When it comes to sports, I think I'm pretty much the embodiment of that quote from Grease, "If you can't be an athlete, be an athletic supporter." Preach on. As for music, maybe there is minor talent involved but I'm not exactly ready to be picked up by a major label or anything. The harder I try (and sometimes fail) at all these things, the more I realize that my dabblings are just repeated attempts for me to "find" myself. You know, that deep, dark chocolate Paula that no one (even myself) really knows. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. This is what I do know: I enjoy emailing and blogging and eating ice cream. Sometimes I go shopping and sometimes I sit at home and knit. Sometimes I wear flip flops and sometime I wear heels. I really want to learn how to surf. Sometimes I roll out of bed and leave the house and sometimes I spend an obscene amount of time getting ready before I walk out the door. I'm a bit of a diva who will tromp around muddy streets in Mexico to play with dirty kids for a few hours. I enjoy a good pedicure but would mess it up for a chance to hit the beach for the day. I would marry Fred Astaire if he asked me. Same goes for Gavin DeGraw or the guy from She's the Man. In fact, I'm planning on naming my first daughter Astaire. I really want to be a good guitar player (I don't have to be fantastic, I'll settle for good). I am NOT a clean freak but I often wish I was. I sometimes wonder how I ended up with such a great life. Then I realize that I don't really want to know the answer, I'm just gonna enjoy it while it lasts. And, after all is said and done, I just want to be an all around well-rounded person that is down to earth with a little diva thrown in. More than that, I don't really want to be a certain "type" of person - I just want to be Paula and have that be enough. So far, so good.

Seek Ye Out of the Best Books

You know, I have been thinkin' on this for quite some time and Miss Tania's blog about the books that have changed our lives lit a much needed fire under my behind. I was an English major in college (Literary Studies emphasis) and it was absolutely heavenly because I was constantly being bombarded by new (to me) and great (to some) works of literature. They were pretty much handed to me on a silver platter. Well, these days, I'm on my own in the world and don't have class after class and professor after professor to hold my hand on the path to the wealth of wisdom held within the world's troves of literary treasures. That said, I can't help but feel that I have been a bit of a slacker when it comes to my secular education. Now, that may be a bit harsh as I am currently enrolled in tap (dance) and guitar (music) lessons with a painting or drawing class (art) and piano lessons (music, again) on the back burner. All that aside, my literary education is lacking and it's time to step it up. To add insult to injury (sort of) I was toolin' around on the Church website and I found this tasty little lick of prophetic wisdom:

The thought might occur to some that it would be better to avoid all books and read only the scriptures. Brigham Young had some advice on that narrow approach to life. He said, “‘Shall I sit down and read the Bible, the Book of Mormon, and the Book of Covenants all the time?’ says one. Yes, if you please, and when you have done, you may be nothing but a sectarian after all. It is your duty to study to know everything upon the face of the earth, in addition to reading those books” (Journal of Discourses, 2:93–94). Brigham Young goes on to say that he encouraged his own children to study music and dance, to attend the theater, and to read novels, things that he said, “expand their frames, add fire to their spirits, and improve their minds.”

I was all gung-ho for about two seconds and I was a few clicks away from creating a whole new blog dedicated to my literary pursuits but I've drawn back and decided that this quest is as big a part of me as my trips to Disneyland, the Discovery Science Center and other far off places my travels take me wink, wink). That said, I'm keepin' it all right here at home. For those of you that do not enjoy the occasional literary masterpiece, you'll just have to skip those blogs 'cause they'll be mixed in with the joyous tails of my travails (hee-hee, I'm a poet).
And so, my darling blog-reading friends, any suggestions of works you dub to be worthy of a perusal would be greatly appreciated. I'm gonna dig around Tania's blog, some websites and the brains of close friends to see if I can come up with a list but feel free to pitch in. Your two cents in welcome here.
Oh, I lovey-love-love you all for reading my blogs and loving me almost as much as I love you!

Discovery Science Center

Simple minds, simple pleasures. I'm pretty much the embodiment of that saying. Yep, it's true. On Friday, I went with 4 of my adult friends and 3 kids to the Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana. Now, in my defense, I didn't realize that it was a first grade field trip sort of place. But the reality is that I loved every second of it. Okay, maybe not every second but we definitely had a good time. I think that's pretty much the case anytime Angel and I are together. That said, lemme give you a little rundown of the joys that are to be found at the Discovery Science Center. Their big exhibit right now is "BubbleFest!" which consists of a crazy Euro-Asian man running around with giant bubble wands trapping people in a soapy substance while wearing iridescent magician's clothes. Get the picture? Needless to say, it was good times. After the bubble show, we dressed up like astronauts and played around in space shuttles, tested our hand-eye coordination and pretended we were birds with giant styrofoam wings! Okay, I was the only one that wore the wings but it was good times all around.

Ode to California

I love the beach,
I love volleyball,
I love In-n-Out,
Yes, I love it all.
Moving to SoCal
was the best choice I've made.
Since punching Peter Herb for kissing me
back in the first grade.

The end.

Miss Bristow.

It's been a long time,
but I'm right back where I used to be
On the edge of my seat,
too excited to leave.
I'm glad too see that
they've done it again.
Sucked me right into the drama
with Sydney's family and friends.
And little Vaughnie-Vaughn,
he so isn't dead.
His living in Buhtan and his name
is now Fred.
Okay, that Fred parts not true.
Not yet, anyway.
It will all iron itself out
in the next 5 Wednesdays.
So, patiently I'll wait 'til
Wednesday at eight and
I'll savor all that the next
5 weeks will bring.
And in the end, I will cry.
For the loss of dear Alias
certainly will sting.

Casa Hogar Sion

This weekend, I went to an orphanage in Baja, Mexico with a non-profit company called Corazon de Vida (Heart of Life). It was an incredible experience. There were about 100 kids and we just played and ate and laughed our heads off! We had an Easter egg hunt and did crafts and jumped rope. You know, when you're faced with the living conditions of 100 kids, you can't help but reflect on how good you've got it! The whole drive home, I kept thinking - how did I get so lucky? I mean, why did I get to be born in America with parents and a home and security and 3 meals a day. I dunno. It's the little things, I guess. The thing about it is that the kids are so happy. Well, for the most part, anyway. Some of them did seem sad and a little displaced but most of them were happy and so excited to have someone new to play with. It was awesome and I am headin' up there again in June to go back. It's just too wonderful of an opportunity to pass up.

It IS The Happiest Place on Earth

We all went to Disneyland for Kim's birthday and it was tons o' fun. Seriously, I really can't count the times I've said that I love Disneyland. Yep, it's still true. Disneyland is absolutely-tutely-fruitely what it professes to be - The Happiest Place on Earth.
So, when the Utah Peeps come down for the cruise-a-thon we'll have to make a special trip to the DL. Good times, good times.

Mueve Tu Cadera!

I went Salsa dancing with a co-worker last night - what a BLAST! We went to a club in Anaheim called J.C. Fandango's and it was so much fun! Everyone just laughs and dances and dances and dances! The live band they had was incredible! It was so fun! So, if you're ever in Anaheim, be sure to hit up J.C. Fandango's - you won't regret it!

The Great Brendini

So, I've got this friend. Her name is Brenda. Now, let me tell you something about Miss Brenda - she's a woman after my own heart. She's always cookin' up some travel itinerary. And, wouldn't you know, I get sucked in everytime! That said, the Cali Girls and Utah Peeps are hittin' up Mexico in 2006, baby! Oh, I can't wait. It's gonna be some good times! Duh! When isn't it good times as long as the Utah Peeps are there?! So, to the Utah Peeps, I say: Quit flakin', you weenies! Gather your pennies and get the cash in! Cabo, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta?! You'd better believe I'm gonna be there! Yea-hoo!

Moab!

Oh, man! Moab was so much F-U-N! Camping and hiking aren't really my thing (those that attended that natural soiree can attest to that) but I am always down for some time with the Utah Peeps! Good times, good times.
We hiked around Canyonlands and Arches National Parks - it was most definitely a site to be seen. It was really beautiful and unlike anything I'd ever seen before. It's one of those experiences that reminds you how small man really is compared to the greatness of God's creations.
Even though I prefer (hands down, I might add) a hot shower and flushing toilets (no, the one we had to drive to that was cut into the rock doesn't count), I must say that I would have a go at it again if it meant I could chill with the Utah Peeps for another weekend.
And Mona was there! It was really good to spend time with her. She is so tender and seems like she's doing well in Salt Lake. I think the pace and culture agrees with her. Good stuff. She really is a doll.
So, next stop: Zion's?! Yeah, we'll see. I'm gonna work hard the next few months to try to get in shape for the Narrow's hike. I don't know if I can hack it but we'll see. Wish me luck!

Kiss Me, I'm Dressed in Green!

Bug Eyes

Disneyland never gets old. We went to A Bug's Life movie - it was so funny! And we rode California Screamin' (of course). A good time was had by all. You know, it's hard for me to believe that I went the first 24 years of my life without Disneyland. I would like to say that a life without Disneyland is a life half-lived. So, if anyone feels like they're missing that "special something" in their lives, you're more than welcome to come down to California. I'll take you to Disneyland and you'll experience a fulfillment beyond your wildest dreams! It's true. Really, it is.

Fat and Sassy

I just wanted to post a blog declaring that I am so happy right now. And not for any reason more than because I choose to recognize my blessings and appreciate all the great things in my life. My life is definitely not perfect - by any stretch of the imagination - but I am doing really well. I have a roof over my head that is quite cozy, friends that I love and who love me back, a great job and so many other wonderful things in my life. To top it all off, I live in one of the most beautiful places in the world (I know, it's all relative)! Anyway, thanks for indulging me in this burst of gladness and just know that I am more blessed than I deserve. Life is good for me and I wish the same for you.

Love,
Paula

Moments of Insanity

Memories

Do you ever just flip back through old pictures and laugh your head off at the memory associated with it?! Well, this is one of those old pictures! Oh, Rashawnduh, how I love you so.

Huh?!

What is it with movies that are so bad you just have to keep watching? Yeah, you know the ones I'm talkin' about. The ones that have bad acting, bad (or no) plots, bad wardrobe - everything is just plain BAD. Why is it that those are the ones you just have to keep watching?! You just can't seem to pull yourself off the couch and over to the TV to turn it off. I don't get it. Heck, 99.9% of households have remote controls so I guess that even eliminates the getting up from the couch step! I simply don't get. Maybe it's because there is a deep-seated hope that it will get better ('cause it certainly couldn't get worse) or a complete dumbfoundedness as to how such a bad movie got produced in the first place. Oh, buh. Either way, I'd like to say that I'll never allow myself to be in this predicament again but I know it'll happen. Probably tonight. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment.

MOAB!

So, I've never been more excited to go camping in my whole life! And, believe you me, as someone who absolutely lived for Girls' Camp every year, that's really sayin' something! I'm goin' to Moab! I'm goin' to Moab! A long weekend up fun and fire. Campfire, that is. Mostly, I'm just pumped to see the Utah Peeps. I miss those little buggers. Hee-hee! And I get to see my cutie patootie sister, Mona. In fact, she's comin' down with us. Oh, it's gonna be so F-U-N!

Isn't She Lovely?!

Truly the face that only a mother could love! Okay, that's not necessarily true 'cause I sure do love this silly little girl! Truth be told, most people love her the very second they meet her. Ah, so tender.

24 Goin' On 30

Sometimes I forget that I'm still just a young'un. I find myself cutting out several years of my youth by developing attitudes generally reserved for people many years my senior. Now, I don't want to get too specific but I do want to say that, for the most part, I'm in a good place for someone my age and I need to remember to gauge myself by my own timetable - not by someone else's. Ultimately, it's the Lord's timetable that really matters. But until I understand that completely, I'm just gonna have to do the best I can. Know what I'm sayin'? Oh, good.

Fuh-Lap

So, I started tap lessons last week. Did I already tell you this? Either way, last night was lesson #2 and, believe you me, it was a real treat. On the positive side, I'm pretty positive that I can cross "Professional Tapper" off my list of potential life quests. That said, I do really enjoy it and I look forward to the day when I can not only tell the difference between a shuffle and a flap (pronounced "fuh-lap" by our delightful instructor, Gemma) but actually be able to do them both with some level of skill.
Here's to trying new things and looking like an idiot!

MySpace

I would just like to make it known that MySpace is the dumbest website ever. I mean, what's the point? I don't get it. My sister buzzes around it all the time and I succumbed to peer pressure and set up my own account. LAME! Okay, I'm done rippin' on it but I just wanted everyone to know that I just don't see the point of it or the reason for the MySpace craze.
I'm leanin' that way real quick with regard to LDSLinkUp, too. I just don't get the point of it all. I mean, I don't wanna knock it too bad 'cause I know that lot of people are into that kind of thing and that they meet a lot of people but it's just not for me. And that's okay, right?
In conclusion, I'm gonna stick with blogger.com, baby. That's right - bloggin' 'til the cows come home.
Peace, love and Internet dating.

Riverdance!

Last night, my long-time dream of seeing Riverdance live came true! Okay, so maybe the word 'dream' is a little dramatic but watching those people spin and zip around was like watching a dream. It was so amazing to see the talents expressed in that production. It was downright unbelieveable. The program was simply awesome! It was a thing of beauty. Okay, laying off the cheeziness now. Seriously, it was incredible and I would highly recommend it to everyone. The dancer's feet move so quickly it almost seems superhuman. No lies here, my friends. It's amazing. And there was a sextet that sang a few hauntingly beautiful Gaelic songs.
Speaking of Gaelic, I watched this really funny show called "Street Smarts" where they pull people off the streets and ask them random questions. It went a little something like this:

Q: In what country do they speak Gaelic?
A: In San Francisco?

Yep, we've got some geniuses on our hands, folks.
Anyway, back to Riverdance. There were a few Flamenco numbers - the girl was amazing. Full skirt and all. She even did a sassy little number with some of the Riverdance boys. Hell-O, Nurse! One of the highlights (okay, they were all highlights) was when they brought out a couple of really amazing tap dancers to perform a lighthearted duel with some of the Riverdancers. It was so mueh fun! Riverdancing is kind of a stiff dance. I mean, it's very expressive and passionate but there's not a lot of facial expression while the dancers are doing their thing. That said, it was fun to see them kind of let loose while they were funnin' around with the tappers.
All in all, I give Riverdance an A+! It was so beautiful and I'm glad I finally got to experience it. Two thumbs way, WAY up. Check it out if you get the chance!

Center Stage

Okay, let's just let it be known that I was not born to be a tap dancer. Or a jazz dancer. Or any kind of dancer that is actually supposed to look good while she's doing it.
Angel and I (along with some other pals) started a tap class this week. Let it suffice to say that I struggled. Big time. I've got the shoes, I've got the heart but I haven't got the skill. Luckily, it's a 4-week gig. Maybe by the end of the session I'll know the difference between a shuff-full and a fuh-lap (dance terms, I guess). Either way, it's a great workout and it's kinda fun to boot! I'll keep you posted. 'Til then, keep those feet a-tappin'!

Live and Let Live

Man, time just seems to fly right away from me. One minute I'm chillin' with my Utah peeps at the DL for New Year's and the next minute I'm tryin' to decide on a Valentine! Good times, good times.
I am really strugglin' these days. Let it suffice to say that people are frustrating. And tryin' to change them is like beating your head against a brick wall. Repeatedly. Apparently, I'm a glutton for punishment! I respect the principle of agency but I have a hard time with the bounds it sets for me with regards to letting people live their lives as they see fit. It's interesting because I recognize that I make mistakes and don't have all the answers but for some reason I can't help but judge others when they aren't living their lives as I see fit. Irrational? You bet. Presumptuous? Mmm-hmm. So what's the problem?! I'm in need of some serious repenting. What's a girl to do? Get on her knees, I guess. I'll let you know how it goes.
Meanwhile, all drama aside, life is pretty dang good. I'm pretty much a lucky girl. I've got a good job and a roof over my head. I've even got a few friends lookin' out for me. I should probably spend more time counting my blessings than pointing out others' mistakes. Once again, I'll let you know how it goes.

Bring 'em Out, Bring 'em Out!

Basically, I'm a babe magnet. I move and all my babe-a-licious friends move with me. Angel came down to visit in October and moved down in November. She's got a great job, a great apartment (well, it's a place to live) and a great roommate (me!). And she is lovin' life in the OC.
The newest addition to the OC gang is Miss Kari Grimnes. Kari came down to visit just a couple of weeks ago and now she's makin' plans to move down this weekend. I'm really excited for her to be closer to Angel and I. I think we're gonna have a great time together rockin' the OC!
Really, I feel pretty lucky to be living in such a great place. There are so many fun things to do down here - the beach, the shopping and don't forget Disneyland! A good time is always had by all!
So, if you're havin' a quarter-life crisis and are just not sure what to do with your life - c'mon down to the OC! You won't regret it!

California Livin'

I was flippin' through photos from my first summer in the OC and I just can't believe how quickly time has flown by. It's seriously insane. I mean, I've been living in California for 9 months now. 9 months. That's the length of time it takes to grow a baby! Seriously, though, I just can't believe all the people I've met and experiences I've had in that time. It's always kinda neat to look back and see where you've come from. More and more, this feels like home to me. I'm glad I came. And, you know, I think I'm happy here. I'm almost sure of it.
I am totally gearin' up for the next summer. I mean, now that I'm a Disneyland oficionado, it's time to tackle the high seas! Surf's up, dude! Part of me still feels like I'm just getting settled in but I'm ready to take on new things. I have a list of so many things I want to do while I'm living in SoCal - every minute counts! I'm so excited to hit the beach in the next couple of months. Good times, good times.
So, anyone sick of bein' landlocked is welcome for a visit! You just can't beat the wonders of the Pacific! Life is good here is SoCal so c'mon down!

Sisters

Sisters, sisters - there were never such devoted sisters! Oh, I love my little sissies - SO MUCH! They are just a barrel o' fun! And they drive me BONKERS! Isn't it funny how that works? Being home for Christmas was so great. And, like always, after a few days I was ready for another vacation! Seriously, though, I love my little sisters so much! I am super protective of them and I am always so excited to see what's around the corner for each of them.
Here's the lowdown: Regina is a Junior in High School right now. She thinks she rules the school! She is so hilarious and I'm delighted to see that she stepped right into the role of parental tormentor when I left home. I swear, we're more and more alike each time I see her. She's so FUNNY!
Ramona moved to Utah in November and seems to be doing well. It's crazy 'cause I worry about her so much now that she's away from home - you'd think I was her MOTHER! But I always look forward to hearing about her new adventures in the great state of Utah. Mona's a doll and she deserves all the happiness life has to offer. Yes, my little sissies are the apples of my eye. I'm glad to call them my own!

Peeps!

Oh, man! I just had the best weekend with the Utah Sistas! We encountered a bit o' adversity when they tried to bar us from The Happiest Place On Earth but we weren't havin' it! We stuck it out and, well, let's just say that good things come to those who wait! Once in the Magic Kingdom (and completely soaked to the bone from hours of rain), we had the time of our lives. Ridin' around on caterpillars, scammin' on the Princes and soarin' over California - it was GREAT! We ran around California and laughed our heads off. A good time was had by all - at least, I know I had a good time. Next Stop: SLC to return the favor! Bring on the Cafe Rio!

Catch Up!

Oh, man - I can't believe it's Christmas already! It's been over a month since my last blog - where have the days gone? Okay, let's see - I'm sure there's a thing or two to report.
Angel moved down to Laguna Niguel just after Thanksgiving. Yippee! We're livin' in a cute little 2-bedroom now. Okay, so maybe cute isn't quite the word that I'm looking for but it'll do. It's a place to live, I guess. The parking sucks and we don't have a washer or dryer but, like I said, it's a roof over our heads. Note: Don't get Angel started on how much our living situation sucks. She's got a vendetta against the management team of Laguna Summit Apartments.
Let's see, the fam came down to visit in the middle of December. A great time was had by all. We went to Disneyland, SeaWorld and all the other tourist hot spots. It was a whirlwind week but it was really fun. Good times, good times.
Now, it's Christmas and I'm back at home. I haven't been back to the Tri-Cities since I moved to California so it's weird to be here. I love it so much, though. The Tri-Cities is a great place and I'm definitely planning on being back here to raise my family.
Speaking of family, I have to comment that it's weird to celebrate Christmas with all of the kids going their separate ways. Ben's married, Brice is married and Brittney's off doin' her thing (whatever that means) - so it's up to Mona, Gina and myself to hold it down for the Holidays. It's not necessarily a bad thing but I can just tell a difference as I get older. It's an interesting transition. I wonder what it'll be like next year. Time will tell.

Head 'Em Up, Move 'Em Out!

Yay! Life is SO good! Angel is moving down next weekend and she's gonna have the cutest little apartment waiting for her! And a great roommate to boot! I am really excited - it's everything we wanted and more! And the price was fantastic. We seriously lucked out with this one! I'm moving all of our stuff in this weekend and I am so excited! Hee-hee! Par-tay time!
Things are coming together so well for me here in California. I keep asking myself why I didn't move down here sooner. I guess it's all about timing though. Things just keep coming together here - it's getting better and better! I should probably start looking for the other shoe to drop! Either way, I am so grateful for the experiences I've had in the past few months. I'm not there yet but I'm on my way to starting a real life for myself!
P.S. I just have to say how impressed I am by people who totally step up to help people out. Word got out that I was moving and I have had people approach ME about helping me out. Offers for packing, moving and everything else under the sun! It's so great. And the wonderful thing is that it makes me want to reach out and serve others the same way that I'm benefiting from others' charity. It's full circle and I think it's a GREAT program.

Halloweenie

As mentioned in previous posts, I lovey-love-LOVE Halloween! I think it's such a fun time! And the best part is getting pictures back. Most years I have several Halloween costumes - for example, last year I was a pirate for the Friday night round of parties and Medusa for the Saturday night dance and round of parties. Good times! This year, however, in the interest of time, I had to stick with the same costume for both nights of revelry. Sad, but true nonetheless. No worries 'cause my costume ROCKED! I had always wanted to be a flapper (you know, fringed dresses, long pearls, fishnet stockings) and this year was a dream come true. Bring on the feather boas and fake eyelashes! Jeni decided on a throwback to her days as a youngin' and picked up an old school white sheet from the local Wal-Mart. The results were stuntastic! I don't think I've laughed so hard in quite some time. Just the thought brings tears to my eyes - tears of hilarity, that is! Ah, and to think that she almost opted out for lack of a costume. The joys of Jeni the Ghost is just too much hilarity for words to express. It was my duty to show the OC how to par-tay Halloween style. And let it suffice to say that Halloween ROCKED!

Dude, Where's My Costume?

I heart Halloween. That's pretty much all there is to it. The decorations, the costumes, the parties - good times, my friends, good times. This year, Halloween has been pretty darn great. Aside from a flakey friend or two - I'd venture to say it's been a success. My throwback to the 1920s (aka a flapper costume) has been well received. I am quite pleased with it.
Deep thoughts by Paula Peralta: I think that whether or not people dress up for Halloween says a lot about what kind of person they are. If someone really gets into it and is willing to go out a whoop it up with their peeps – they’re cool. If they mope around the house and decline multiple invitations to the myriad of Halloween functions that are almost certain to be occurring – they’re lame.
Your thoughts?

Victory!

Yippee! Angel's coming! I'm not sure when and I'm sure she doesn't know how - but she's comin'! Oh, I'm so excited - I can barely stand it! This has been a long time comin' and she's comin'! Hee-hee!
Better yet, she may be getting a job in my office! Oh, I hope, I hope! If she gets the job then she'll be here at the end of November. If not, then she'll be comin' down in January. Either way, she's comin'! Yahooey!

Where My Peeps At?

Man, I got really nostalgic today and totally missed all my cruise peeps - the little darlings. Seriously, I don't think I've ever known such a well-rounded and fantastic group of people. I could literally list something great about every person on that trip. Incredible. The Utah love is a-flowin' and I have had the chance to be a lucky recipient of all that lovin'. It's almost enough to make me pack up and leave the beach behind for snow-capped mountains and the Cruise Groupies. But, alas, my place is here in the land of palm trees and movie stars (although I've yet to see one - a movie star, that is).
My little sister is moving to SLC in a couple of weeks. I think it's a great place for her to move to. She hasn't lived away from home yet so it may be a good place for her to cut her teeth. We'll see. I worry about the viciousness of girls that don't realize what's really important and can't see the beauty of a person if it's not manifest in well-applied makeup or the right label on their clothes. I dunno. Maybe I'm being too stereotypical. I just worry! I'm entitled, aren't I? Bein' the big sister and all. I just hope it all works out for her. I hope that she'll meet a lot of people that recognize what a sweetheart she is.

New Callings

Everytime I receive a new calling, it always seems like it's just what I need in my life at that time. New callings always bring such a new motivation to be a little better and work a little harder. There's just something great about knowing that the Lord trusts you enough to let you serve within His kingdom. I am really looking forward to the learning experiences that always come with a new calling. I am grateful to know that the Lord is mindful of me and my abilities. It's a wonderful thing!

Angel - Part II

It's so good to have friends that understand you. No explanations...just understanding. Understanding and acceptance. Not the reluctant acceptance, but the kind that sees you for what you can become and loves you enough to wait for you to get there. That kind of acceptance. It's fantastic.
Angel came and we had a fantastic time! Our itinerary went straight to H-E-double hockey sticks the second she walked off the plane but it's all good. I'm sure there's some quote about spontaneity being good for the soul. Blah, blah, blah. We had a fantastic time. We shopped our socks off.
You know how you know that you love someone but you kind of forget until they're there and then gone again? That's how I feel about Angel. All I can say about her is that she's incredible. She's just NICE. That's the only way to describe it. She is the embodiment of all that is good and kind. I wish I could be more like the woman she is. Now, don't get me wrong, there are times I forget how awesome she is but the reality is that it always comes back to the fact that she just wants what's best for the people she loves. Ah, she has such an incredible capacity to love. She's awesome and I'm so grateful we're friends.
Now that she's gone, I miss her dearly. BUT, there's light at the end of the tunnel. She's thinkin' about moving here. Oh, I would be in HEAVEN! I'm trying to do everything possible on my end to get her down here but in steps that whole agency thing. Drat! If it were up to me, she'd have been here MONTHS ago. Alas, I have to wait on her final decision. We'll see. Oh, I hope, I hope!
Either way, I know we'll always be great friends. I'm glad to know such an awesome woman!

Halloween

I love Fall. I just love it. The smells, the clothes and all the awesome things you can't get any other time during the year. Giant pumpkins. Courduroy. It's such a great time. It's a shame that it flies by so fast because of all the holidays! OH! The holidays! They'll be here before we know it!
I got my costume last night and I am SO excited! It seems like I get a little more excited for Halloween with every year that passes. I didn't get the chance to decorate my office this year and I feel like I got totally gypped! I have a costume and will be the epitome of "All Dressed up and nowhere to go" this year. Oh, well. It was so fun to try on the costumes and decide on the perfect costume. I swear, I've got a 10 year backlog of costumes. I'm planned out through 2015! I'm sure I'll be able to find SOMEWHERE to go this year. I'll just have to peak around. It'd be a shame for the world to miss out on me in all my Halloween regalia.

Angel

My friend, Angel, is an angel. She's comin' to visit this weekend and I am so excited! She is so funny and I know we're gonna have a grand ol' time together. She's always crackin' me up with her inexhaustible wit. Seriously, it's never-ending. We were roommates back in Washington and we had a lot of good times. The thing about Angel is that she's usually down for whatever. That makes for some funny experiences! She is a wonderful friend and a fantastic woman. I'm grateful to be her friend. I'm excited for her to come visit. Let the good times roll!

Seis Meses?!

It makes me so sad that I haven't been able to blog as much lately. For a bit there, I was bloggin' almost daily! Ahh, those were the days. I guess this whole life business is taking it's toll. You know, I read another girl's blog today and she was talking about getting so caught up in the day-to-day things in life that you forget to take time to enjoy where you're at. I think I've done just that. I got sidetracked and let myself forget how lucky I am to have such a great life. I've been so caught up in budgeting and relationships and housing that I've forgotten how great California Livin' is. But not anymore! This is my wakeup call. So, back to bloggin'!

I went to the beach with some friends on Friday afternoon. And I was HOT! Can you imagine?! I could hardly believe I was sunbathing in October. Granted, the ocean was cold enough to put you into a deep freeze, but a towel on the sand with the sun a-shinin' while I took a nap wasn't half bad! It's things like that that remind me how much I love living in California.

I've been here exactly six months today. I can hardly believe it! I just called my dad. And my roommate. And my mother. I feel like celebrations are in order. It's been an interesting six months, to be sure. I've met a lot of incredible people and I'm sure there'll be plenty more in the next six months to come.

Okay, I've just decided that this is going to be the marathon blog. I have so much to write about.

Mostly, I just want to get out how much I love my li'l Chazlyn Robbins. She is such a doll and I was able to see her last weekend. There is a standing tradition that all the kids meet up at the Jensen/McCombs household on Conference weekend. Well, Chaz has been up in Montana with her hubby, Tim, and so I haven't seen her since the wedding. As luck would have it, she was able to make it down and so I flew to SLC and hung out with her for a couple of days. It was so great to see her. She is all that is wonderful and womanly. She is a fantastic person and I feel so blessed to call her my best friend. Blink, blink. I just love her. I can't even handle it.

Times Are A-Changin'

Okay, so the cruise was A-mazing and it's been back to reality for 3 weeks now. I'm STILL adjusting! A great time was had by most. I know I thoroughly enjoyed myself. There are too many pictures to put up here (560 last time I counted) so I'm gonna direct ya'll to the trip's Photo Album. Feel free to peruse all five hundred sixty of the li'l buggers. Like I said, good times.
So, the time back has been filled with overflowing inboxes, sinus infections and plans for the future. And I must say that I'm not too thrilled with the upcoming agenda. However, the light at the end of the tunnel is General Conference this weekend. If ever a person could use a healthy dose of the Spirit...it's me! I get tickle belly just thinkin' about it. Last weeks RS broadcast got me all geared up and ready to go! I'm grateful to be surrounded by such powerful leaders.
And here's to making life-changing decisions in the blink of an eye. It's almost never easy but it's almost always worth it!

Reality Bites

Where have the days gone?! Oh, yeah...I forgot...I was in the CARRIBBEAN for a week! It was so awesome! Good food, good fun, good friends! Life doesn't get any better than beautiful blue water and chocolates on your pillow everynight. Is anyone else having a hard time adjusting to the reality of time clocks and life's responsibilities? I mean, I was anxious to get back but now I'm beginning to question my sanity!

Make Me Lose My Breath

I can't even handle it. Jeni and I went to the Destiny's Child concert in Anaheim last night. They are so HOT! What divas! It was an incredible show. And I do love me some Destiny's Child. Hee-hee! I can't even handle how awesome they are live. Those girls can SING! Oh, man! You can't help but get down with your bootylicious self when listenin' to those lovely ladies. And, believe you me, I've done my fair share of scoffing at Pop Culture...but you can't help but love these ladies. They are VERY talented. And I saw their faces...now I'm a believer! Hee-hee! Fo' sho!

Can You Keep Up?

Aargh! So much to do and so little time to do it. This week is Cray-zay! FHE, Institute, Destiny's Child, Caribbean Vacation...mix in 20 loads of laundry, dusty suitcases and a stressful workweek...and you've got my life! Hee-hee. I am SO not complaining. I am so blessed to have so many fantastic things going on in my life. Yes, yes, YES! I am the luckiest girl in the world!

Zoom...Zoom...Zoom

Aw, how 'bout those cutie-patooties that performed in the Newport Beach Temple Jubilee! This weekend was the Newport Beach Temple Dedication. What a weekend! We spent most of Saturday at the Arrowhead Pond in Anaheim...the Jubilee and THEN we got to hear President Hinckley speak.

You're doing great. You're better than you think you are. We have confidence in you. May you have the strength and the will and the resolution to do what is right at all times.

It was fantastic. President Faust accompanied him and spoke to the congregation as well. Needless to say, it was fantastic. The Church is true and the leaders of the Church are called of God.

The Celtic Dutchman

I am a sucker for the arts. I know that "the arts" can be a pretty vague term but let's just say that the second I hear an orchestra or see a painting...I am drawn to it. It's like it calls to me. Okay, enough of the cheeziness...I have a point.
Tonight I was flipping through the channels and landed upon KOCE (it's the Orange County branch of PBS) and they were broadcasting Andre Rieul: The Flying Dutchman. He never actually flew so I'm not sure why PBS felt the need to title the program that. Anyhoo, Andre Rieul is a famous violinist that tours with the Johann Strauss Orchestra. A-mazing! I heart PBS. And I heart Andre Rieul. The orchestra was incredible. They played some beautiful arrangements.
THEN, it only got better. One of my favorite programs, Celtic Woman, followed Andre and his fantastic orchestra (or Strauss' fantastic orchestra, rather). It may have something to do with my obsession with the Celtic culture but, either way, there is a special place in my heart for the step dancing and fantastic fiddles that accompany the music of the Celtic lands.
Finally, to the reason I am even blogging this in the first place. I'm not even sure what to say or, more importantly, how to say it. When I was watching both of these programs I thought, "Now, this is true beauty." Maybe that's a "duh" comment but I really felt that. There is something so powerful about music and the arts that encompasses and expresses beauty in a way that no other medium can. Languages are generally so limited and do not contain the words or nuances needed to express such a complex idea as beauty.
Okay, enough of the philosophizing. Bottom line, I'm just really grateful that the Lord has instilled in me a love for the arts. I'm grateful for mentors that have shown me how to appreciate a canvas or an instrument that can express emotion and life views in a way that nothing else can. It is truly a beautiful thing.

These Words

Read some Byron, Shelly and Keats
Recited it over a Hip-Hop beat
I’m having trouble saying what I mean
With dead poets and drum machines

I know I had some studio time booked
But I couldn’t find a killer hook
Now you’ve gone & raised the bar right up
Nothing I write is ever good enough

These words are my own
From my heart flow
I love you, I love you, I love you, I love you
There’s no other way
To better say
I love you, I love you…

I Am a Common Man

Everybody needs a good love story once in awhile. I got mine tonight. There is something about Noah and Allie's love that just takes my breath away. It sounds SO cheezy but it is SO true. It literally takes my breath away. Oh, wait...maybe that's just Ryan Gosling's skill. Hee-hee! Just kidding. The book is so well written and the movie is incredible. I remember the first time I saw "The Notebook" in theaters. I was with my best friend, Chazlyn, and we were bawlin' our eyes out at the end. A lady came back to ask us if we were okay 'cause we were cryin' so much! Ah, the memories.

I am nothing special; of this I am sure. I am a common man with common thoughts, and I've led a common life. There are no monuments dedicated to me and my name will soon be forgotten, but I've loved another with all my heart and soul, and to me, this has always been enough.

I know it's fiction but there is something about seeing such powerful love that is so inspiring. I wonder. Noah and Allie were literally CRAZY about each other. Allie was all Noah thought about and vice-versa. How does that happen?! I can't even begin to understand it! But it doesn't make me love it any less. I want that same passion for life that they had for each other. And maybe someday I'll have that passion for another person. Heaven help us when that finally happens. Hee-hee!

Whirlwind Weekend

Man! The past four days seems like a blur! My mom came to visit and we had the time of our lives! It was so good to see her and play with her and love on her and laugh with her. Seriously, I had forgotten how hilarious my mom is. What a crack-up! Pictures to follow...but this was our itinerary.

Friday:
Flew in (boy, were her arms tired...hee-hee!)
Universal Studios
Pageant of the Masters

Saturday:
LA City Tour & Movie Stars Homes Tour
Downtown Disney
Dinner @ Cheesecake Factory

Sunday:
Church
Recovery Time

Monday:
Office Visit
Newport Beach Temple Open House
Key Chain Hunting in Laguna Beach
Lunch at Johnny Rockets
Flew Home : (

It went by so fast and we were SO exhausted but it was SO much fun! I am so glad she got to come visit. The California sun wasn't shinin' so brightly but we had a good time. The whole fam is comin' in December...that'll be four times the fun...can't wait!

Teaser

I'd like to revoke the previous blog stating that Kimberlini was moving in with us. She has received a better offer (although what could be better than living with me, I don't know) and will not be moving into our apartment. So, back to the scrambled confusion of square one. It's so good to be home.

Summer Lovin'

This is the 3rd time in just as many years that my summer has included a Jack Johnson concert. And lemme just say that it gets better every year. However, as much as I love the great state of California...UCSD's got NOTHIN' on The Gorge at George. Not a single thing. The concert was fantastic and I fell in love with Jack all over again (seemingly impossible, I know...nevertheless true). He is such a great musician and a fanstastic human being. He does so much good. Anyhoo. Enough about my crush on Jack...which, I might add, is harmless, respecting the fact that he has a beautiful wife and a cutey-patootie son named Moe. Hee-hee! So, Jeni and I met up with Holly, Dan and Co. for the concert. Great seats. Great pizza. Great weather. It was just plain ol' great!

To Say or Not to Say

Kim is going to move into our apartment! Clap, clap, clap! Yay! I love you, Kim...wherever you are! Kim's moving in so we can stay in our apartment through at least November. I don't think it's the best situation, per se, since it's just delaying the inevitable...but it'll be nice to push that stress back for a bit longer. Granted, the decisions have been made and the lease is more or less signed, sealed and delivered...but I've learned a thing or two during this little escapade.

This above all: to thine ownself be true,
And it must follow, as the night the day,
Thou canst not then be false to any man.
William Shakespeare, "Hamlet"

Since moving down here, I've really developed a more real sense of independence but I still allow my fear of people's reactions to my decisions color the decisions themselves. It's really too bad but I'm getting closer and closer to really becoming my own person and allowing myself to be in a position to be the best woman that I can be. I'm learning what environments I am happiest in and I am learning how to create those environments. At the risk of sounding VERY cheezy...it's very liberating to know that I am in absolute control of my own happiness. My happiness or lack thereof is my own fault. Either way. Pretty cool, huh?

A.L.O.

A.L.O opened for Jack Johnson this weekend in San Diego. And while I wasn't immediately impressed...they definitely grew on me. I think most of it stems from the fact that Zach (keys & vocals) played for Jack during his set later in the night. He is definitely one talented dude! Good music and even better lyrics...minus the Pecs song! Okay, so maybe I kind of liked the Pecs song...but just a little bit. It wasn't my favorite or anything. Honest, it wasn't.

And in this life we're free to dream what ever we want to
But that doesn’t' mean that your dreams are gonna come true
Instead as a way of getting us to move
Life dangles your dreams in front of you
And unable to resist the temptation
We continue

Good times all around. I'm really glad we hit Jack up for the 3rd time in just as many years. It was worth the hours spent on the 5 stuck in traffic and sweatin' our bums off in Jeni's non-air conditioned car. I love you, Jeni's car...wherever you are! And I love you, Jack!

Blessings, Blessings Everywhere

I've been semi-stressed about the whole moving situation but last night...a ray of light broke through the crowds...I mean, clouds. Hee-hee. Shantel has decided not to move just yet and is doing everything in her power to maintain our contract so that we can stay in until the end of the year. So, cross your fingers, everybody! I hope it all works out and we won't have to move until January-ish.

Home Life

I think I'm gonna stay home; have myself a home life.
Sitting in the slow-mo and listening to the daylight
I am not a nomad, I am not a rocket man.
I was born a house cat by the slight of my mother's hand.
See, I refuse to believe that my life's gonna be
Just some string of incompletes; never to lead me to
anything remotely close to home life.